Epictetus was a Greek Stoic philosopher. This short handbook, which was actually written down by one of his pupils, is a guide to daily living. It has been read by countless people over the centuries because of it's sensibility and and it's easy application to daily living. Unlike some of his forefathers in philosophy, like Plato and Aristotle, he focuses on how to practically apply oneself on a philosophical level. Download and start listening now!

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Listener Opinions

Alex Poulin | 2/11/2014

" Great book. Strongly recommend to anyone just needing sobering advice. A book to continuously return to throughout life. "

Cameron | 2/5/2014

" Short selection of teachings from my least favorite Roman Stoic philosopher. I find Epictetus's preoccupation with social conduct irritating and boring. "

Paul | 1/30/2014

" There is no doubt that the content of the book is invaluable, however I feel as though the book could have been compiled into other books of Epictetus into a thicker edition. This is because the book is surprisingly short and thin. "

Jorge Larios | 1/29/2014

" Do the right thing, take care of the body... "

Greg | 1/27/2014

" Not going to lie, it was in watching Adventure Time that I even found out about this book. However, unlike the Tobin Spirit Guide from the Real Ghostbusters, this book actually exists! Stoic philosopher Epictetus outlines his views on living a happy and harmonious life, placing quite the emphasis on living in direct connection with nature and the world around you. "

Jim Hunnicutt | 1/24/2014

" The philosophy of Epictetus is not one that is commonly found with the likes of Nietzsche or Kant, but anytime a book survives over nearly 2000 years, it must be of exceeding high quality. This is such a book. The simple, yet poignant wisdom of a Roman slave turned philosopher inspires and teaches still today. It easily surpasses many of the modern day 'self-help' books that seem to fly off the shelves. It is a guide for a tranquil and structured existence, no matter your creed or nationality. "

Greta | 1/18/2014

" I ran across a quote by Epictetus which was: "Preach not to others what they should eat, but eat as becomes you, and be silent." I thought: "This guy is brilliant. Who is he and what else did he have to say?" Although this particular gem is not included in this little book, the rest of Epictetus's ideas and advice is equally terse and applicable to life today. It really is a manual for living. "

Ike | 1/16/2014

" "You can only be one person- either a good person or a bad person. You have two essential choices. Either you can set yourself to developing your reason, cleaving the truth, or you can hanker for externals. The choice is yours and yours alone. You can either put your skills toward internal work or lose yourself to externals, which is to say, be a person of wisdom or follow the common ways of the mediocre." "

Amanda Marshall | 12/12/2013

" This should be a mandatory read. The advice is so deep and insightful, yet amazingly simple. Life is truly art. "

Justin Langlois | 12/9/2013

" Very interesting and quick read. If you are looking for some suggestions on how to improve your outlook on life, this wouldn't be a bad place to start. "

Ryan Botwinik | 12/1/2013

" Epictetus is the perefect philosopher for the recovering person. The first discourse is all about the first step, only it was written around 120 A.D. "

Caitlin Daly | 11/17/2013

" This is one of the books that I continue to use as a guide throughout my life. It has been written very well and with such insight that it is impossible to deny its power. "

" Essentially the same as the Tao Te Ching or the big book, but compact and easy to travel. Good for a quick reminder for mindful living. "

Jonathan Williams | 5/12/2013

" Though this was required reading in college, I'm damn glad they put us to it. Probably one of my favorite texts on stoic philosophy, this is as damn close to a moving 'Holy' text as philosophy can get. "

Timothy Ferguson | 2/26/2013

" The Librivox recording of it is sound, but I was unable to follow the author's arguments. Perhaps I'm not sufficently enlightened? "

Daniel | 1/31/2013

" Not the best translation ever. Definitely not the first book I would read if I was interested in Stoicism, either. Everyone seems to prefer Marcus Aurelius, but I think Seneca was the better philosopher and the better writer. "

Duane | 8/7/2012

" This is my go-to book when I'm feeling down or something bad happens. I recommend it to anyone who feels like things aren't going their way and want to change their view of the world around them. "

kevin | 6/4/2012

" sort of like CBT. with a macho twist, if you will. "

JB | 1/16/2012

" There were two great Stoic philosophers in antiquity. Marcus Aurelius and Epictetus. Epictetus was a slave. Marcus Aurelius was an emperor. This is an excellent handbook for hard times. "

Aubrie | 9/22/2011

" If I could, I'd give this 3.5 stars. I liked some of the basic principles outlined in this book, but I didn't necessarily like the author's interpretations. She didn't seem to have any real qualifications and handled the material a bit freely, in my opinion. "

Steven | 4/15/2011

" Good for toilet-reading, in a good way.
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Bill | 12/11/2010

" The defining piece on Stoicism.
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Michaeld | 9/19/2010

" Highly recommend it for each person.If you're someone that is struggling with a lot of things in life, this may help out. It certainly did for me back when I had my troubles.
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Connie | 8/31/2010

" stoic rules to live by. Non-attachment to what is not within our control is the secret to contentment.
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Mikhail | 8/10/2010

" Interesting ancient Roman take on the "Tao." Could be five stars in a more faithful translation - this edition is an "interpretation" that meddles too much.
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Captain | 4/17/2010

" Dated and non-agreeable thoughts for etiquette. Seemed as only one or two lessons were of any value.
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